Lost Soul Aside on Steam Inaccessible for 130+ Countries Due to Sony Restrictions

Lost Soul Aside's Steam release will be region-locked, excluding access for players in over 130 countries, sparking significant frustration among PC gamers. This article delves into the reasons behind the region lock and explores recent interviews with the game's director.

Lost Soul Aside: Region Locked in 130+ Countries at Launch

Player Backlash Over Region Lock

UltiZero Games' Lost Soul Aside will launch with a region lock, frustrating many gamers. This limitation stems from Sony's ongoing restrictions on the availability of PlayStation-published titles. SteamDB data reveals the game will be unavailable in over 130 countries, all lacking PlayStation Network (PSN) support.

Crucially, while Lost Soul Aside doesn't require a PSN account to play, the region lock prevents the game from appearing on Steam in these unsupported PSN regions. Players wishing to access the game must create a new Steam account registered in a PSN-supported country—a cumbersome workaround. This is particularly perplexing given PlayStation's recent removal of PSN requirements for its PC titles. The resulting player outrage is evident across social media, with many choosing to boycott the game due to this restrictive policy.

A Blend of Fantasy and Realism

Since its 2016 announcement, Lost Soul Aside has maintained its unique blend of fantasy elements and realistic visuals. In a February 20, 2025 IGN interview, UltiZero Games CEO Yang Bing discussed the game's artistic vision and evolution.

Bing confirmed the game's style, including its signature high-speed, flashy combat, remains consistent with its initial 2016 reveal. He explained that while influenced by other games encountered during development, the core vision has remained unchanged, evolving into a more refined and polished product.

Bing previously cited Final Fantasy XV as a key influence, noting the game's similar blend of fantasy and realism. This is evident in the protagonist, Kaser, whose stylized features contrast with the realistic rendering of his skin, hair, and clothing textures.

Influences from Gaming Giants: Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, and More

Lost Soul Aside draws inspiration from various popular Japanese titles, including Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry. In a February 20, 2025 Famitsu interview, Bing detailed these influences and their impact on the game's design.

He highlighted Final Fantasy's influence on Kaser's design, emphasizing the blend of realistic and fantasy elements in his clothing and overall appearance. The goal, Bing explained, was to create a character that felt both believable and fantastical.

Regarding combat, Bing cited Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry as sources of inspiration for the game's fast-paced, flashy action and deep, customizable combat system. He stressed the game's accessibility, ensuring players can excel regardless of their skill level with sequential moves.

Lost Soul Aside launches May 30, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and PC. For the latest updates, check out our related article!